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Texting is incredibly popular, with figuresindicating that the average 18 to 24-year-old sends 2,022 text messages per month. While older Americans send less, the numbers are still impressive, with 35-44 year olds averaging 831 sent messages each month. As we discussed yesterday, there are some real benefits to communicating with your soon-to-be ex via text message. However, it deserves to be mentioned that there are also some serious downsides to texting that should be taken into consideration by anyone going through a South Carolina divorce.

Dangers of Texting

Though there are definite benefits to text messaging your soon-to-be former spouse, there are some decided drawbacks as well. Having written records of conversations are great – unless you were the one who said things you'd rather have forgotten. Text messages can create an effective paper trail which can come back to haunt those who are quick to type but slow to think through the consequences of their statements.

If you are someone with a hot temper, it may be best to avoid communicating via text message. These short spurts of information or feelings can lend themselves to regrettable and damaging remarks. Rather than worry about your words coming back to haunt you in the midst of a South Carolina divorce case, it's best to avoid giving the other side the potential ammunition in the first place.

A good rule of thumb for everyone in the midst of a South Carolina family case is to think through your text messages before you decide to send them. Ask yourself if you would want your attorney, your spouse's attorney, the judge, or your children to read the messages. If not, then do not send it. With texting, as with most things, it's better to be safe than sorry.